E: Ryan, with a steady San Diego fanbase and a solid set of songs, you guys have been getting pretty far in a small amount of time. What sort of appreciation have you been witnessing for your music?
Ryan: The response we've been getting has really blown me away. I mean, I love our songs--just like every band appreciates their own songs--but to be able to reach such a diverse audience in the music scene has been unbelievable. We've had fans ranging from emo lovers to hardcore to indie tell us that they like our music, which I take as a great compliment considering how people usually tend to stick with one certain genre. And it is undoubtedly the best feeling in the world to have hundreds of fans singing along with our songs before we had even released our EP.
E: Would you say that Cellar Door is still a young band?
Ryan: Definitely. We're between the ages of eighteen to twenty, and we've only been playing together for about eight months now, so we still have a lot to do in the area of exposing our music to the rest of the country. But I think we've established ourselves as a solid local band, and have gained a good-sized fanbase in San Diego, which is tough since there are so many bands here.
E: Have things been going well with the band lately?
Ryan: Actually, no. We recently parted ways with our bassist and drummer, so lately our guitarist, Mike, and I have been playing some acoustic shows and writing new songs while we look for a new drummer and bassist. But other than that, things have been going great. We've been getting contacted by some labels and management companies, but unfortunately we can't do much about it until we find replacements. So if anyone's interested, or knows someone who is, let us know!
E: Do you think you could ever get used to just playing acoustically?
Ryan: Yeah, I think I could. My passion is playing music, and as long as I can do that, I'm happy. I love playing acoustic shows because you can connect more with the audience and everything is exposed so much more. You can actually hear what I'm singing, and it gives Mike and I a chance to break our songs down and create new ideas for the song structures. I still can't wait to be back performing with a full band, but after this experience I think I'll continue to play acoustic once in a while, too.
E: How do you think the name Cellar Door relates to the band's music?
Ryan: Well, we didn't have the name in mind when writing our songs, but Cellar Door is said to be the most beautiful combination of words in the English language. I think our music and lyrics capture such raw emotional states and people can relate to what our songs are trying to say. I think it's beautiful the way any song is put together; the way the melodies flow with the music is just amazing. And to have people tell us that they can really connect with our songs is a beautiful thing.
E: Is this something you see yourself doing your whole life?
Ryan: If I'm able to, yes. Right now I can't see myself doing anything other than something music related. I may be living in a dream world, as my parents tell me, but music is my life. I would sacrifice anything to be able to keep playing music, and if I can make a living from it, then even better. Without music in my life right now I would be lost, and I wouldn't know what to do with myself. So for now I will continue to write and play as long as I can.
E: What else have you been up to lately besides playing shows and looking for new members?
Ryan: Well for myself I've been working a lot, and writing acoustic songs. Same goes for Mike, except he doesn't work. *Laughs*
E: What are your plans for the near future?
Ryan: To find some amazing talent in a new bass player and drummer, and then after practicing and writing some new songs start touring. We also want to get back into the studio and record new material once we have a solid lineup in the band.
E: Are you optimistic for the band's future?
Ryan: From my lyrics you wouldn't think so. But as far as the band goes, I've always been optimistic. I think I have a lot of dedication, and that's key in the music industry. Mike is an amazing guitar player and songwriter, and I have a lot of confidence in him. The way he writes and utilizes different effects makes our music catchy enough to be liked by a wide audience, but also gives it the individuality needed to stand out in today's overpopulated music scene.
E: Well it was a great interview--thanks for doing it.
Ryan: Yeah, thank you! |
